Engine Vehicles Research Articles

Hybrid Simulation Model of Lifecycle Simulation and Replacement Simulation Considering Carbon Lock-In by Coal-Fired Power Plants

To meet the temperature goal set by the Paris Agreement, cumulative CO2 emissions must be kept below 300 GtCO2. Road transportation accounted for approximately 18% of the CO2 emissions from fuel combustion in 2017. Electric vehicles (EVs) have been rapidly adopted by environmentally conscious consumers in many countries to reduce CO2 emissions. EVs have lower emission intensities than do internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) in most parts of the world, except where the penetration of renewable energy is low in the energy production mix. In such places, the CO2 emissions of EVs are larger than those of ICEVs. Despite the obvious need to increase renewable energy sources to reduce CO2 emissions, Japan and many other countries around the world have yet to shift away from fossil fuels. This is due in part to carbon lock-in, which refers to prior decisions related to technologies and infrastructure that constrain the implementation of better paths toward low-carbon technologies. Coal-fired power plants are the most problematic in terms of carbon lock-in because of their high carbon intensities and long physical lives. In addition, because carbon lock-in by coal-fired power plants has a significant impact on the embodied CO2 intensity of grid power, it impacts society through products that use electric power. In this study, we propose a hybrid simulation model of lifecycle simulation and replacement simulation, considering carbon lock-in by coal-fired power plants. In the replacement simulation, we simulated the replacement of end-of-life coal- and oil-fired power plants with renewable energy power plants using a probability called the lock-in rate and estimated the changes in the embodied CO2 intensity of grid power in Japan. In the lifecycle simulation, we evaluated cumulative CO2 emissions from entire product lifecycles of ICEVs and EVs based on three different EV diffusion scenarios. The results showed that the lock-in rate of coal-fired power plants strongly affects the decarbonization effect due to the market diffusion of EVs.

Generation of hydrogen fuel on board vehicles with internal combustion engines

This article discusses advances in the design of hydrogen fuel engines; the main characteristics of the hybrid engine are studied; prospects for further research are outlined; development and improvement of engine designs, research of processes in engines running on natural gas and hydrogen. Transport is one of the key elements of modern civilization. Its condition and development prospects largely depend on the ability to supply transport power plants with fuel. The depletion of liquid hydrocarbon fuel reserves and problems of environmental pollution may present humanity with a choice - either to reduce transport transportation or to find new ways to supply energy to transport. OBJECTIVE: To review the electrochemical technologies used for the production of hydrogen at gas stations and the operation of hybrid electric vehicle engines using fuel cell batteries. Conduct a comparative analysis of the production and use of energy by electrochemical and traditional methods in vehicles. METHODS are based on analysis of literature data and mathematical calculations. For a passenger electric vehicle, the amount of electricity that can be obtained in a fuel cell by processing 1 kg of hydrogen was calculated. It has been shown that the specific fuel consumption for a hydrogen electric vehicle averages 1 kg of hydrogen per 100 km. Hydrogen has the potential to be the sustainable fuel of the future, reducing global dependence on fossil fuel resources and reducing carbon emissions from the transportation industry.

Impact of Vehicle Engine Supply System on In-Service Changes in Body Geometry and Wheel Alignment

Impact of Vehicle Engine Supply System on In-Service Changes in Body Geometry and Wheel Alignment

Social risk assessment of the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles: Material supply chains in China, Japan, and South Korea

In order to reduce carbon emissions, the production of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) is being transitioned to the production of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the social unsustainability of this process needs further testing. This study explored the social risk characteristics of the transition from ICEVs to EVs based on the Social Hotspots Database (SHDB), combining with the Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) and the Marginal Analysis Method (MAM). Here, we revealed the differences in social risks in the material supply chains between China, Japan, and South Korea, which may create incentives for 100 % supply concentration in a hypothetical game. In terms of social risk, common substitution trends in the iron‑aluminum sector and synergy patterns in the copper-rubber sector were observed in the three countries. As a key factor influencing social risks, cost factor may change, and cost changes due to transition were mainly influenced by production adjustments and sourcing differences, reflecting differences in production capacity trends. This study makes it possible to consider ICEVs and EVs as two endpoints for transition activity in a SLCA exercise and provides valuable insights focusing on transition, aiding in material selection for future product design and underscoring the importance of proactive consideration of social sustainability indices.

Analysis of the impact of misfiring on the throttle body in ayla vehicles using the fast fourier transform method

An essential component of an automobile's air intake system, the throttle body controls airflow during combustion by acting as an idle speed control mechanism. Making ensuring the throttle body is operating properly is crucial to keeping the engine running at its best. The Fast Fourier Transform vibration analysis is one technique used for this (FFT). A an LCGC Ayla 1000 cc vehicle's throttle body and engine underwent vibration testing with rotational rates set to 750 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1500 rpm, and 2000 rpm. Vibration responses were measured using an accelerometer sensor coupled to an FFT analyzer, and Matlab was used for analysis. The throttle body had anomalous frequency readings at 1977 Hz with an amplitude of 0.03171 m/s2, according to the test results. On the other hand, the frequency value at 1410 Hz with an amplitude of 0.03435 m/s2 was observed under normal circumstances. Similar to this, abnormal frequency values with an amplitude of 0.02378 m/s2 were found on the engine at 1493 Hz, whereas normal frequency values with the same amplitude were found at 1712 Hz. These results point to incomplete combustion as the cause of the increased vibration

A Study on the Mid-frequency Tire-Sourced Cabin Noise in Electric Vehicles

ABSTRACT This study investigates and provides a framework for addressing a reported tire- sourced cabin noise in the mid-frequency range of 300–500 Hz for an electric vehicle (EV). Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of EVs present new challenges compared with internal combustion engine vehicles because of significant design changes between the two vehicle types. In turn, the tire–road interaction noise becomes a more significant source of cabin noise in EVs. In this regard, some prominent EV manufacturers recently reported relatively high measured cabin noise, particularly in the mid-frequency range of 300–500 Hz. Identifying the root cause(s) of noise in that range is a challenging task, as both tire structure–borne and airborne sources are contributors in that frequency range of elevated noise. The current work presents the results of an experimental modal analysis to provide insight into some potential sources of the reported noise for an all-season tire/wheel assembly designed for an EV. The subsequent parametric simulations, conducted via the tire–vehicle finite element model, evaluate some of the mitigation solutions for the reported noise.

Results on the Use of an Original Burner for Reducing the Three-Way Catalyst Light-Off Time

Individual road mobility comes with two major challenges: greenhouse gas emissions related to global warming and chemical pollution. For the pollution reduction in the spark ignition engine vehicle, the standard and reliable aftertreatment technology is the three-way catalytic converter (TWC). However, the TWC starts to convert once an optimal temperature, usually known as the light-off temperature, is reached. There are many methods to reduce the warm-up period of the TWC, among which is using a burner. The initial question underlying this study was to see if the use of a relatively straightforward extra-combustion device mounted upstream the TWC, without complex elements, was able to serve the purpose of reducing the light-off time. Consequently, an original burner was designed and investigated numerically via the CFD method and experimentally via measurements of the temperature evolution within a TWC, along with the emissions specific to the burner’s operation. The main findings of this study are: (1) the CFD-based examination is a good way to decide on how to achieve the so-called fit-for-purpose internal aerodynamics of the burner (i.e., to obtain a homogeneous mixture) and (2) to reach the light-off temperature, conventionally taken as 500 K, the burner was operated for 5.2 s, i.e., 3.6 g of gasoline injected, 2.7 g of CO2 and 1.351 g of CO, respectively, emitted. Moreover, this study identified measures for improving the burner’s design as well as an enhanced procedure for the burner’s operating control both aiming to produce a cleaner combustion during the TWC pre-heating.

Fuel Efficiency Optimization in Adaptive Cruise Control: A Comparative Study of Model Predictive Control-Based Approaches

This work investigates the fuel efficiency potential of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems, focusing on two optimization-based control approaches for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In particular, this study compares two model predictive control (MPC) designs. In the first approach, a strictly quadratic cost is adopted, and fuel consumption is indirectly minimized by adjusting the weights assigned to state tracking and control effort. In the second approach, a fuel consumption map is explicitly included in the MPC cost function, aiming to directly minimize it. Both approaches are compared to a globally optimal benchmark obtained with dynamic programming. Although these methods have been discussed in the literature, no systematic comparison of their relative performance has been conducted, which is the primary contribution of this article. The results demonstrate that, with proper tuning, the simpler quadratic approach can achieve comparable fuel savings to the approach with explicit fuel consumption minimization, with a maximum variation of 0.5%. These results imply that the first alternative is more suitable for online implementation, due to the more favorable characteristics of the associated optimization problem.

Economic implications of a phased‐in EV mandate in Canada

AbstractCanada plans to phase out internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) sales in favour of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035 as part of its climate policy. Herein I examine the economic implications of a phased‐in electric vehicle mandate. I show using partial equilibrium analysis that when both types of cars are available, auto companies will overproduce electric vehicles and earn scarcity rents on internal combustion engine vehicles that partially offset the revenue loss on electric vehicles. I then present a numerical general equilibrium model of the Canadian economy to assess the overall macroeconomic consequences of the policy. The results depend critically on the assumed pace at which electric vehicles achieve cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles on a quality‐adjusted basis. An electric vehicle mandate will have manageable economic consequences if technology improves so rapidly that the mandate is unnecessary. If the mandate outpaces achievement of cost parity the economic consequences can be severe and would likely cause the auto manufacturing sector to shut down. The cost per tonne of emission reductions are at least 10 times the Canadian carbon tax rate while the mandate is binding. The analysis provides insight into why automakers have been willing hitherto to develop and sell electric vehicles even though they currently lose money on them.

A comparative study of vehicle powertrain efficiency: Data-driven analyzing energy consumption and environmental impact

This study investigates the energy consumption of electric vehicles (EVs) in real-world driving conditions, using in-vehicle sensor data and location tracking. The energy consumption of EVs is compared to that of an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) under similar driving tests. Furthermore, an energy-centric life cycle assessment was conducted to assess the environmental impact of the transition to electrified transportation by reporting the carbon emissions of the EVs and ICEV. Since a large volume of driving data was acquired in the experiment, machine learning (ML) techniques are employed to interpret the obtained data and identify a key feature. ML algorithms can help develop predictive models that estimate energy consumption and explain the major factors that impact such consumption. The findings also offer valuable insights into energy consumption, emission, and the underlying factors that can inform policy discussion related to transport electrification and enhance energy efficiency. This research is significant in comprehending the potential of current EVs and their superiority over traditional vehicles. It is vital to facilitate the shift toward electric transportation, which can be driven by the results.

ICE to EV Conversion in Thailand: Evaluating Feasibility, Benefits, and Challenges

Abstract: The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is vital for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but Thailand faces challenges in adopting new EVs due to high costs and limited infrastructure. This study investigates the feasibility of converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs over the next decade, examining the economic, environmental, and social impacts. Findings show that EV conversions can reduce operational costs by 40-50% and lower GHG emissions by up to 70%, even when accounting for electricity-related emissions. In addition, the transition could significantly improve air quality, leading to public health benefits. However, barriers such as high upfront conversion costs, limited access to conversion kits, and the need for skilled labor remain. Addressing these challenges through government incentives, infrastructure development, and workforce training will be essential for scaling up EV conversions, enabling Thailand to accelerate its shift toward sustainable transportation and meet its climate goals.

Assessing the environmental benefits of passenger cars electrification in metropolises: A case study of Singapore

Land-based transportation is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with internal combustion engine vehicles being the predominant mode of transport in this sector. As the world population grows and urbanization accelerates, transport demand in metropolitan areas is projected to double by 2050, underscoring the critical need for sustainable transportation strategies, forecasting, and planning within an urban context. One challenge in this endeavor is the insufficient attention given to the distribution of vehicle grades within the overall car population during GHG impact assessment, despite the recognized importance of car grade by researchers and policymakers. In this study, we incorporate both engine type and vehicle grade distribution, derived from data on over 30,000 passenger cars registered with the Land Transport Authority of Singapore between 2018 and 2022, into our life cycle assessment analysis. This approach ensures that our scenario-based studies on prediction and planning are more comprehensive than those that consider only the most popular models. Furthermore, while Singapore benefits from a relatively clean electricity supply, the current limitations in charging infrastructure negatively affect the GHG impact of electric vehicles. The insights from this research will inform the development of transportation policies for metropolises like Singapore, contributing to the advancement of a more sustainable transportation system.

A Stochastic Approach to the Power Requirements of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: The Case of Spain

Battery electric vehicles represent a technological pathway for reducing carbon emissions in personal road transport. However, for the widespread adoption of this type of vehicle, the user experience should be similar to that of combustion engine vehicles. To achieve this objective, a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure is essential. In Spain, the electric recharging infrastructure is growing quickly in metropolitan areas but much more slowly on roads and highways. The upcoming charging stations must be located along high-volume traffic corridors and in proximity to the Trans-European Transport Network. The main contribution of this research is to offer a method for examining the essential electricity infrastructure investments required in scenarios involving substantial electric vehicle adoption. The methodology includes a sensitivity analysis of fleet composition and market share, recharging user behavior, charging station density, and vehicle efficiency improvements. To this end, the authors have developed a simplified probabilistic model, addressing the effect of the involved parameters through a comprehensive scenario analysis. The results show that the actual number of high-capacity charging plugs on Spanish roads is significantly lower than the European regulation requirements for the year 2030 considering an electric vehicle market share according to the Spanish Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2021–2030 objectives and it is far from the necessary infrastructure to cover the expected demand according to the traffic flow. Under these circumstances, the charging peak power demand reaches over 7.4% of the current Spanish total power demand for an electric vehicle fleet, which corresponds to only 12% of the total.

Exploration of the Traffic Safety of Battery Electric Vehicles: A Case Study of Tesla Vehicle-Involved Crashes in Pennsylvania, USA

After decades of efforts, the number of battery electric vehicles (BEV) has increased greatly around the world. Meanwhile, their unique technical features also bring many new traffic safety challenges. Using traffic crash data from Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2021, this study aims to identify characteristics and trends of BEV crashes by comparing those crashes involving Tesla vehicles (the premier BEV brand in the auto market of the United States) with crashes involving internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). First, Tesla and ICEV crashes are compared for crash severity, collision type, spatial and temporal distributions, and environmental features. Tesla crashes show no significant difference from those of ICEVs in severity, but they have many more rear-end and angle collisions. In addition, Tesla crashes are found to concentrate in peak hours and around noon, occurring mainly in urban areas, at intersections, and on state roads. A logistic regression model is then built to identify the important factors influencing the severity of Tesla crashes. The findings are expected to provide new insights which will help researchers understand better traffic safety issues around BEVs.

Evaluation of potential electric vehicles load-induced damage on flexible pavements

The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), driven by policies like the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, is rapidly transforming transportation infrastructure. In 2021, over 1.25-million light-duty EVs were registered in the United States, signaling a shift that extends to heavy vehicle categories. This study evaluates the implications of this transition on road networks, focusing on the increased gross weight of EVs compared to traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and its impact on flexible pavement structures. The study investigates the deterioration patterns and potential damage to road infrastructures resulting from integrating EVs into the traffic mix, utilizing both the AASHTO 1993 and Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) pavement evaluation methodologies. The analyses reveal a significant acceleration in road degradation, necessitating urgent consideration of EV-induced stresses by transportation authorities. Recommendations for future research and practical strategies for mitigating these impacts are provided to guide policymakers and engineers in adapting to this evolving vehicular landscape.

A Study of Heat Recovery and Hydrogen Generation Systems for Methanol Engines

Biofuels are the most essential types of alternative fuels, which currently have significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. Methanol is a more efficient fuel than petrol due to its physicochemical properties, such as a higher latent heat of vaporization, research octane number, and heat of combustion of the fuel–air mixture. Also, biomethanol is cheaper than traditional petrol and diesel fuel for agricultural countries. The authors have proposed a new approach to improve the characteristics and efficiency of methanol diesel engines by using biomethanol mixed with hydrogen instead of pure biomethanol. Using a hydrogen–biomethanol mixture in modern engines is an effective method because hydrogen is a carbon-free, low-ignition, highest-flame-rate, high-octane fuel. A small quantity of hydrogen added to biomethanol and its combustion in an engine with a heat exchanger increases the combustion temperature and heat release, increases engine power, and reduces fuel consumption. This article presents experimental results of methanol combustion and a hydrogen-in-methanol mixture if hydrogen was retained due to the utilization of the heat of the exhaust gases. The tests were carried on a single-cylinder experimental engine with an injection of liquid methanol and gaseous hydrogen mixtures. The experiments showed that green hydrogen generated onboard the car due to the utilization of heat significantly reduced fuel costs of engines of vehicles and technological installations. It was established a hydrogen gaseous mixture addition of up to 5% by mass to methanol requires a corresponding change in the coefficient of excess air to λ = 1.25. Also, using an additional hydrogen mixture requires adjustment at the ignition moment in the direction of its decrease by 4–5 degrees of the engine crankshaft. Hydrogen gas mixture addition reduced methanol consumption, reaching a maximum reduction of 24%. The maximum increase in power was 30.5% based on experimental data. The reduction in the specified fuel consumption, obtained after experimental tests of the methanol research engine on the stand, can be implemented on the vehicle engines and technological installations equipped with an onboard heat recovery system. Such a system, due to the utilization of heat and the supply of additional hydrogen, can be implemented for engines that work on any alternative or traditional fuels.

The window of opportunity: a case study of the battery electric vehicle in Thailand

Purpose Thailand, although a late entrant, has emerged as a significant center for the production and export of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Asia. With the arrival of a disruptive battery-electric vehicle (BEV), this study aims to investigate whether Thailand can exploit this window of opportunity to leapfrog. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses data sourced from Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property to analyze electric vehicle (EV) patent applications. This paper collected qualitative data and conducted interviews with several EV manufacturers. Findings Although Japanese automakers dominate essential EV technology patents, they trail behind Chinese automakers, which benefited from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in EV sales. The incumbents, Japanese and Western, choose to expand their production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles. ICE technology does not constrain new entrants, such as Chinese automakers, Japanese newcomers and Thai newcomers. Compared to Japanese carmakers stuck with ICE and HEV technologies, they have been transitioning to BEVs at a faster pace. BEV has opened the door for large Thai indigenous energy corporations to enter the automotive industry by focusing on niche areas (nonfour-wheel vehicles) and supporting businesses like charging stations. In summary, Thailand has successfully attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) into the EV sector, but it has not yet succeeded in developing indigenous technologies related to EVs. The Thai automobile sector fails to leapfrog because it is too tied up with Japanese automotive production networks and has an unfavorable FTA with China. Originality/value This study sheds light on the limitations of an industrial development strategy relying on openness to trade and FDI without adequately strengthening indigenous technologies and firms, as the country adopting the strategy fails to leapfrog when the window of opportunities created by disruptive technologies arrives.

Estimating the tipping point for lithium iron phosphate batteries

Uncertainty surrounding NMC cathode chemistry prices have prompted increasing interest in less expensive alternative technologies. Chief among these is lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a chemistry that offers a cost advantage at the expense of energy density. We estimate which chemistry offers a lower cost at targeted vehicle ranges consistent with those consumers can expect from internal combustion engine vehicles. Our model – which considers tradeoffs between battery capacity and weight – enumerates a range ‘tipping point’ of 373.52 miles, beyond which NMC batteries consistently demonstrate a cost advantage over LFP batteries, despite the latter's reliance on less costly minerals. Using this tipping point as a benchmark, we leverage trip-level data from the National Household Travel Survey to explore which U.S. households may benefit from EVs equipped with LFP versus NMC batteries. Among multi-vehicle households, only 1 % of all trips taken exceed 160.53 miles, a figure analogous to our most conservative tipping point. To the extent that EVs may be utilized for relatively short commutes or as secondary or tertiary vehicles, our results suggest that LFP batteries can offer lower costs relative to NMC batteries while satisfying most households' travel demands. We subsequently discuss the policy implications of these findings.

A Review on Advanced Battery Thermal Management Systems for Fast Charging in Electric Vehicles

To protect the environment and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the world is shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable solution. The development of fast charging technologies for EVs to reduce charging time and increase operating range is essential to replace traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are efficient energy storage systems in EVs. However, the efficiency of LIBs depends significantly on their working temperature range. However, the huge amount of heat generated during fast charging increases battery temperature uncontrollably and may lead to thermal runaway, which poses serious hazards during the operation of EVs. In addition, fast charging with high current accelerates battery aging and seriously reduces battery capacity. Therefore, an effective and advanced battery thermal management system (BTMS) is essential to ensure the performance, lifetime, and safety of LIBs, particularly under extreme charging conditions. In this perspective, the current review presents the state-of-the-art thermal management strategies for LIBs during fast charging. The serious thermal problems owing to heat generated during fast charging and its impacts on LIBs are discussed. The core part of this review presents advanced cooling strategies such as indirect liquid cooling, immersion cooling, and hybrid cooling for the thermal management of batteries during fast charging based on recently published research studies in the period of 2019–2024 (5 years). Finally, the key findings and potential directions for next-generation BTMSs toward fast charging are proposed. This review offers an in-depth analysis by providing recommendations and potential solutions to develop reliable and efficient BTMSs for LIBs during fast charging.

Large eddy simulation of the dispersion of short duration emissions: Implications for the metrological evaluation of remote sensing devices for on-road emissions monitoring

Remote sensing techniques have emerged as valuable tools for characterizing pollutant emissions from large vehicle fleets and identifying high emitter single vehicles in real driving conditions. Nevertheless, the use of these systems for official emission control purposes by public administrations is an issue because the remote sensing devices must obtain official metrological certification, which currently lacks an international technical standard. The fluid dynamic study that we present demonstrates the promising potential of using pulsed synthetic reference plumes of known chemical composition in order to simulate exhaust emissions produced by combustion engine vehicles in a repetitive and controlled way. This scheme would facilitate the implementation of these complex metrological certification tests and drastically reduce the potential costs associated to these certifications and the emission of gases. In this paper, the atmospheric dispersion of the synthetic puff-like plumes after being released from a vehicle has been studied through fluid dynamic simulations, in order to identify their optimal usage conditions as reference materials. The simulations have allowed to study the evolution of two types of reference short plumes (puffs generated at 2 and 6 bars) from a vehicle at static and dynamic conditions. Results show that, in spite of the fast dispersion of these puffs, it is possible to accurately determine their chemical composition by optical techniques, for instance, by differential absorption spectroscopy. This opens the way for designing advanced and robust metrological evaluation procedures that could be the basis of a future technical standard for the certification of optical remote sensors of traffic emissions. This would allow future deployment of those certificated remote sensors on roads, contributing to a sustainable mobility and effective air pollution management strategies.